National Rehabilitation Centre strengthens addiction care mission at Al Dhafra Health Forum

The centre returned for its fifth consecutive year as Strategic Partner and Diamond Sponsor, engaging healthcare professionals and communities across Al Dhafra Region with prevention initiatives and clinical expertise.

The National Rehabilitation Centre has concluded a significant presence at the 5th Al Dhafra Hospitals Health Forum, reinforcing its role as a leader in specialised addiction prevention, treatment and rehabilitation across the UAE. Held from 4 to 6 November at Baynounah Educational Complex in Madinat Zayed under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, the forum brought together healthcare specialists, institutions and community leaders to advance knowledge and strengthen partnerships in regional health services.

The centre’s return as Strategic Partner and Diamond Sponsor marked its fifth consecutive year participating in the event, demonstrating sustained commitment to connecting community awareness with clinical expertise. Throughout the forum, NRC engaged visitors and healthcare professionals, presenting educational materials and awareness initiatives that highlighted the risks of psychoactive substances while encouraging healthy lifestyles and informed decision making among young people and families.

The centre’s educational programme proved comprehensive and varied. Hassan Mahmoud Al Hammadi delivered an interactive theatre session titled “Life Skills” to students, focusing on developing essential capabilities for making informed choices and encouraging positive behaviours. He also presented an awareness lecture at the Senior Citizens’ Majlis, where he introduced NRC’s treatment and rehabilitation services while discussing family roles in protecting children from substance risks.

The scientific programme featured specialised contributions to the forum’s accredited Continuing Medical Education offerings. Dr. Mohammed Abdulsamad, Psychiatrist at NRC, delivered a lecture examining “Understanding Addiction Within the Impulsive-Compulsive Spectrum: A Transdiagnostic Approach,” exploring the relationship between addiction disorders and impulsive and compulsive behaviours. This presentation underscored the importance of comprehensive, evidence-based approaches to clinical understanding and advanced treatment practices.

Yousef Al Theeb Al Ketbi, NRC Chief Executive Officer, reflected on the significance of the participation: “Community awareness and access to specialised care are fundamental to protecting people’s health and improving their quality of life. Each engagement with students, families and healthcare professionals brought different aspects of addiction prevention into focus, from the life skills that help young people make informed choices to the knowledge families need to recognise risks and offer support.”

He emphasised that the centre’s responsibility extends beyond such forums through continued education, accessible specialised care and partnerships that support people throughout recovery. As the NRC has previously demonstrated through its World Mental Health Day campaign addressing stigma and promoting psychological support, the organisation remains committed to breaking down barriers to care whilst advancing understanding of mental wellbeing’s vital role in recovery.

The Al Dhafra Hospitals Health Forum serves as one of the region’s leading healthcare and scientific events, bringing together experts and specialists to promote community health awareness, strengthen institutional partnerships and exchange knowledge on the latest healthcare practices and innovations.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

The National Rehabilitation Centre’s deepening engagement with Al Dhafra Region reinforces the emirate’s commitment to accessible, specialised addiction and mental health services across all communities. By presenting evidence-based clinical approaches alongside family and community education, the centre addresses substance abuse prevention holistically, reaching students, families and healthcare professionals who can all play active roles in supporting recovery and promoting healthy lifestyles.

The forum’s emphasis on knowledge exchange and continuing professional development strengthens the capabilities of healthcare practitioners across Al Dhafra Region, ensuring that the latest treatment innovations and clinical understanding reach those working in community health settings. This collaborative approach reflects Abu Dhabi’s broader commitment to integrating preventive awareness with accessible specialised care throughout its healthcare system.

Source: WAM